Staggered-Mount Connector Layout for Reduced Terminal Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in reducing the distance between terminals arranged in a pitch direction due to the spacing requirements of substrate pads, leading to difficulties in minimizing connector size and increasing terminal count.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates terminals with first and second mount portions that protrude in different directions, allowing alternate fixation to staggered substrate pads, enabling reduced pitch distance and overlapping pad arrangements, while maintaining identical contact portion positions for controlled insertion and extraction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals are arranged with sufficient spacing to prevent electrical connection between adjacent substrate pads, then electrical isolation is ensured, but the distance between terminals in pitch direction increases and connector size cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-plane pad arrangement to a three-dimensional staggered arrangement where pads are offset in the width direction between adjacent pitch directions. This dimensional change allows terminals to be positioned closer in pitch direction while maintaining electrical isolation through the staggered configuration that prevents pad overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetric positioning of mount portions relative to terminal bodies. First mount portions and second mount portions are positioned at different locations (first location and second location respectively) to correspond with staggered pads, breaking the symmetry and enabling reduced pitch distance while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If substrate pads are arranged in a standard grid pattern, then manufacturing is simplified, but the distance between terminals cannot be reduced below pad spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves from a two-dimensional grid pad arrangement to a three-dimensional staggered arrangement where pads in adjacent pitch directions are offset in the width direction. This maintains manufacturing feasibility while enabling reduced terminal pitch distance through the staggered configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pad arrangement into distinct first pads and second pads positioned at different locations, with each segment serving specific terminals. This segmentation allows optimized positioning for reduced pitch while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through systematic alternation.
3Manufacturing precision
If all terminals have identical mount portion positions, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but the ability to utilize staggered pad arrangements for reduced pitch is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments terminals into two groups based on mount portion positioning: terminals with first mount portions at a first location and terminals with second mount portions at a second location. This segmentation enables staggered pad arrangement utilization while maintaining manufacturing precision through systematic alternation and clear positioning rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces controlled asymmetry in mount portion positions while maintaining overall terminal consistency. First mount portions and second mount portions are positioned asymmetrically relative to terminal bodies, but this asymmetry is systematically applied to enable staggered pad arrangements and reduced pitch distance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for a reduction in terminal pitch distance, facilitates increased terminal count, and enhances connection reliability by minimizing abrasion and insertion forces.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting portion is resiliently deformable at least in part and extends from the first contact portion to support the second contact portion. The second contact portion faces the first contact portion in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and is movable in the width direction by using resilient deformation of the supporting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has terminals and a housing. The terminals are arranged in a pitch direction. The terminal has first and second mount portions, first and second contact portions and a supporting portion. The supporting portion extends from the first contact portion to support the second contact portion. The second contact portion faces the first contact portion in a width direction and is movable due to resilient deformation of the supporting portion. The second mount portion is formed on the supporting portion and apart from the first mount portion in the width direction. The first and the second mount portions protrude downward from a bottom surface of the housing. In a plane perpendicular to the pitch direction, the first and the mount portions and the first and the second contact portions of each of the terminals are identical with those of any other of the terminals, respectively.